The modern rhythm of urban life leaves no chance for morally weak people. Sometimes the career ladder is reminiscent of survival in the jungle - so many nerves, tears, efforts are necessary to advance in the service. Every day at the same time, an employee comes to his workplace. Even if there is a generally friendly team, there are always individuals who are ready to “sit down” from their homes. This situation is exhausting and contributes to stress and chronic fatigue. This is called "a man burned out at work."
How to understand the definition of "burn out"
Many people do not know how to understand this definition. Some of them will never encounter a similar syndrome in real life. What does it mean "burned out at work"? After all, this phrase is not used in the literal sense.
The term “burn at work” refers to the combination of the following symptoms:
- the appearance of migraine, chronic headache (which the patient had not suffered before);
- psychosomatic manifestations of stress - this can be dizziness, pain in the back of the head or extremities, fainting, lack of air;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- psychical deviations;
- unwillingness to go to work in the team that previously liked;
- unwillingness to fulfill one’s duties even if the material reward is increased;
- attempt to escape from problems in alcohol abuse or drug addiction;
- relations with relatives collapse;
- a person is constantly in a state of irritation and dissatisfaction with his life.
Psychosomatic manifestations of the problem
These are the most serious consequences of the concept of "burn out at work." Alas, in our country you can still often observe a condescending attitude to psychological problems. "Earnings a lot - what else is needed?" - These are the condescending comments that the employee listens when trying to describe his condition.
At the last stages of the syndrome, manifestations appear at the level of psychosomatics. There is no time for jokes. The patient may suffocate, lose consciousness, suffer from severe headaches. Numerous examinations do not find a reason - after all, formally, a person is healthy. The body reacts in a similar way to problems in the psyche. This is the essence of the psychosomatic side of the problem.
Stages of burnout syndrome
Psychology distinguishes three stages. on each of them various methods of therapy and patient care are effective:
- Emotional elevator. Employee motivation ceases to please. A feeling of emotional emptiness, indifference, unmotivated anxiety is growing.
- "Loneliness in the crowd." The employee is becoming more and more secure. Some are trying to "escape" into alcohol and drugs. Attacks of anger, anxiety, aggression appear.
- "Disease of the soul and body." Psychosomatic problems come onto the scene. Now the patient can not do without the help of a competent psychotherapist. In some cases, psychoactive drugs are needed. Even a change of work will not have a noticeable effect on the patient's condition.
Who is most susceptible to burnout syndrome?
Theoretically, everyone can burn at work. Much depends on the initial mental stability of a person. Among psychologists, there is an opinion that women are not inferior to men in terms of endurance. Moreover, among some professions, the percentage of burn-out of male employees is higher.
Professions whose representatives are most often associated with burnout symptoms:
- teachers and teachers;
- doctors in clinics who are forced to deal with the flow of visitors;
- social workers;
- investigators, pathologists, police officers.
Common mistakes made by employees trying to help themselves
Alas, in our country the concept of “burn out at work” refers to a series of shameful concepts. After all, how can one not enjoy a serious position and high salary? More often than not, people with psychological education can understand which particular treatment paths can help the patient.
Dangerous tips that people around give to a person with "burnout" syndrome:
- fly to rest for a week in another country;
- workout;
- to have sex;
- change sexual partner;
- buy yourself a new thing;
- go to the salon and change your hairstyle;
- get a tattoo;
- make repairs in the apartment.
These tips are not only useless, but also harmful. if we are talking about a real psychological syndrome, then training in the gym can bring him to hospitalization. A flight to another country will not cause joy. and even greater fatigue and irritation.
Methods of psychological assistance
Burned out at work? What to do? This question may arise even for the most successful employee. Psychologists advice on what to do in such a situation:
- give yourself a break: take a vacation of maximum duration and do what brings real relief (in some cases, it's just reading a book while lying on the couch);
- do not be shy about your desires, you have to be honest with yourself - if you just want to watch TV shows, then you should do so;
- with manifestations of psychosomatic problems - we need a series of consultations with a competent psychotherapist;
- in some cases, it may be necessary to take antidepressants and tranquilizers in order to stabilize the patient's condition with increased hysteria and psychosis;
- In no case should you try to "drown" problems in alcohol - the patient will only aggravate it.
How to improve physical condition
In order not to burn out at work, regular physical activity is necessary. There is only one condition - it should not cause overwork. Do not drag the hated barbell to prove to everyone around you your strength and endurance.
Most often, exercise at a calm pace that does not cause a surge in hormones. This is yoga, swimming, stretching, Pilates, callanetics. Effective breathing exercises according to the methods of yogic practice - the so-called pranayama. Regular exercises will not only affect the physical condition, but also significantly improve the psycho-emotional background. The patient will become less irritable and anxious.
The problem, so as not to burn out at work, will go by the wayside if new hobbies appear. It can be a banal occupational therapy: modeling plasticine figures with a child, embroidery, sewing, knitting, drawing in computer programs or on real canvas.
Prevention of professional burnout: how not to burn out at work?
In recent years, there have been more and more patients with psychiatrists. And most often this contingent is educated and successful people in their profession. How not to burn out at work, when the boss and the staff do not give a break, and the family is constantly sawing for various reasons? Here are some simple tips:
- solve problems as they arise: to minimize communication with people who cause negative;
- prevent starvation - a normal glucose level supports the brain;
- do not drink alcohol: he is a strong depressant;
- try to be as attentive as possible and perform the work efficiently, after which the emotional is completely removed.
Psychologists have an interesting technique: to imagine that for eight hours in the office a person seems to be renting out. This time should not bring pleasure or satisfy ambition. It’s just eight hours that you need to mechanically survive, emotionally moving away.